Kingston University vs University of Hertfordshire

Kingston University vs University of Hertfordshire

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Kingston University is a public university based in Kingston upon Thames, London. The admissions are moderately competitive with Kingston's acceptance rate between 20–30%. It is a medium-sized university with around 17,000 students, including around 4,500 international students from 140 nations. Kingston offers some of the most sought-after programs like Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Art & Design, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is approximately 72%, with median earnings by alumni of around INR 36,00,000 or GBP 34,000 ten years after graduation.

The University of Hertfordshire is a public institution in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The admissions are moderately selective, with the University of Hertfordshire acceptance rate being approximately 70%. It is a large university with around 20,000 students, with around 35% of the students being international students. Some of the most sought-after programs at Hertfordshire are Business, Engineering, Psychology, and Social Sciences. The six-year graduation rate is around 70%, and graduates indicate median earnings of around INR 38,00,000 or GBP 36,000 ten years after graduation.

Overview Comparison
Kingston UniversityUniversity of Hertfordshire
Collegedunia Score4.1 Out of 104.2 Out of 10
ranking (overall)# 54 The Guardian 2026
# 660 QS World University 2026
# 801 Times Higher Education 2026
# 48 The Guardian 2026
# 601 Times Higher Education 2026
# 901 QS World University 2026
Subject Strength# 801 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 945 for Medicine by US News 2022
# 30 for Law by The Guardian 2026
# 601 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025
# 701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025
# 40 for Law by The Guardian 2026
ProgramsUG Programs -100
PG Programs -191
Doctorate Programs -2
UG Programs -63
PG Programs -94
Acceptance Rate30.0 %70.0 %
Exam ScoreGMAT-590
GRE-299
IELTS-6.5
PTE-59
TOEFL-88
GMAT-600
IELTS-6.5
PTE-58
SAT-1210
TOEFL-72
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   17616
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  17301
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 44084 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   18426
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  17250
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 900 Per Year
placement (average package)

The average salary for programs are as follows:

Executive MBA  : $82,000 

LLM : $76,000 

Executive Masters  : $58,000 

MBA : $57,000 

Masters in Science :  $45,000 

Other Degree  : $44,000


University of Hertfordshire is one of the top public universities in Hatfield, United Kingdom. It is ranked #801-1000 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

  • LLM: $64,000 
  • PhD: $59,000 
  • Bachelor of Science: $50,000 
  • Masters in Management: $48,000 
  • Master (Other): $47,000 
  • Masters in Finance: $46,000 

application requirements

Students should be 18 years on the 1st september of the first year

For undergraduate courses students require minimum of 70% while for postgraduate courses they require minimum 6.5 GPA out of 10

Submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

Students should submit English language proficiency test scores

Check program specific requirements

CollegeDunia Reviews6.8/10 Read 18 reviews7.4/10 Read 24 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

ranking# 801 for Architecture by Times Higher Education 2023
# 32 for Architecture by The Guardian 2021
# 401 for Arts by Times Higher Education 2025
exam scoresGRE - 298/340IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 76/120Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 59/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -18311Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18495
application datesOct 31, 2024 (Application deadline for January 2025 entry)
Jun 3, 2025 (Application deadline for September 2025 entry)
Feb 13, 2024 (Application Deadline For Registration)
General Facts Comparison
General FactsKingston UniversityUniversity of Hertfordshire
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1899
1952
Student:Faculty Ratio20:1
18:1
Male:Female40% Male, 0% Female0% Male, 0% Female
Location Facts

Kingston university has four campuses: Penrhyn road campus, Kingston hill campus, Kingston school of arts, Roehampton Vale campus. Penrhyn road campus is the main campus. 


The University of Hertfordshire is located in Hatfield, just 25 minutes by train from London's King's Cross station and within easy access of the A1(M).

Our 2 sites, College Lane and de Havilland, are situated less than a kilometre apart. A network of pathways, cycle routes and handy shuttle buses connects the sites.


Library

There are three libraries located at different places. The Library and Learning Services at Kingston University supports our students and staff in pursuing their learning, teaching and research ambitions. Library provides access to study spaces, internet, 330,000 books, 275,000 e-books, wide range of databases, 78,000 journals, DVDs etc. 


Extensive digital and printed library collections 

  • Over 900,000 books, including 490,000 online e-books
  • Online and print journals (over 40,000 titles)
  • Online information databases
  • Multiple copies of key texts
  • Past examination papers online
  • Generous book borrowing privileges
  • Self-service inter-library loan facility

Campus Life

University does involve a fair amount of studying, but it's also time to have fun, try something new and make friends for life. On campus you can take part in the Union of Kingston Students events, join clubs and societies, and get into the team spirit with sports and fitness. The Union of Kingston Students is dedicated to making your student experience enjoyable and worthwhile. It is the voice of the student body, providing support and running excellent entertainment and activities throughout the year. Kingston University offers a great range of sports and recreational activities for fun and for competition. You can join any number of sports clubs, use first-class sports and fitness facilities, and support your teams and the community.


  • The campus of the University has 6,000 Square meters of laboratory, including office space for health technology business and life science.
  • The 50-hectare site in Bayfordbury houses the atmospheric physics remote sensing observatory and laboratory.
  • The Student Wellbeing Center on the College Lane campus of the University provides mental health, disability, emotional and health-related issues to the students.
  • The campus offers first-class facilities such as a gym, social sciences spaces, and a central hub. They also have sports facilities including a climbing wall and a pool. De Harville Campus is provided with a library, computer center, and resource center.
  • The campus has many educational spots, including a biology lab, creative art gallery, simulation wards, an aerospace lab, an observatory, and a law building.

Hostel#Smaller standard en suite room - $10764
#Standard - $11284
#Micro en-suite - $8268
#Budget en-suite - $9568
#Monthly Rent - $700
Famous Alumni

Ben Barnes, actor and singer
Angie Bowie, American actress, 
Jessie Cave, actress 

Chris McCausland, stand-up comedian and actor
Harriet Kemsley, standup comedian and actress


The University has a strong alumni network of 270,000 graduates. Some of the Hertfordshire University notable alumni include Owen Farrell (England Rugby player), Sanjeev Bhaskar (British comedian), and Claire Margaret Ward (Labour Party politician).


City Life

London is one of the most exciting cities in the world. With more than 100,000 international students studying in the city and a dynamic culture and history, this is a great place to experience student life. Kingston is one of the safest and most scenic boroughs in London while also being just 30 minutes from the heart of the city. You'll get a peaceful base to study while also having lot of fun exploring central London. With famous theaters, world class museums/galleries and iconic land marks there's plenty to do. When you're ready to take a break from your studies, Kingston provides a huge variety of restaurants and shops locally as well as lovely green spaces where you can relax, such as Regent's Park and Hyde Park. Plus, it's easy to venture to new areas of London via train or bus. London is a center for business, science and creativity - so no matter your subject area or career path their will be great networking and work opportunities to try.


Hatfield offers plenty of things to do right on your doorstep. From local amenities, including a variety of supermarkets, to days out with your friends and family, you don't have to travel far.

atfield has restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes and dietary requirements including Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Greek, Italian, Tex-Mex and British, fast food, takeaways, gastro pubs and coffee shops. A popular choice for many students is the 'Turkish Kitchen' or 'Wetherspoons.'

Located next to de Havilland campus, Ellenbrook Fields is a large nature reserve open to the public. The area is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists and is host to Hatfield's weekly parkrun.

There are a variety of shopping options from the farmers' market to the The Galleria outlet mall, located between the College Lane and de Havilland campuses. It contains a variety of shops, an Odeon cinema and restaurants - many of which offer discounts to students. Throughout the year they hold student lock-in events which offer even more discounts.

A short walk away, the town centre has many more high street brands.


Weather
Comparison Notes

Kingston University vs University of Hertfordshire

Subject Strength & World Rankings (2025/2026)

Kingston University London is strongest in Art & Design, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Nursing. It is ranked between the 801–1000 band in QS World University Rankings 2026 and the 801–1000 range in THE World University Rankings 2025. The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, UK, is strongest in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Health, and Creative Arts. Hertfordshire is ranked relatively higher in applied research, at around 601–650 in QS 2026 and between 601–800 in THE 2025, and this positions it ahead of others in terms of international recognition for industry-related programs.

General Information

Kingston University, which was established in 1899, has approximately 17,000 students and has a campus in southwest London, which links to central London's creative and professional sectors. Hertfordshire University, which was formed in 1952, has around 24,000 students and provides a suburban campus, strong industry connections, new buildings, and global connections. Kingston focuses on professional training and creativity, whereas Hertfordshire prioritizes employability, industry partnerships, and real-world learning.

Acceptance Rate & Admission

Kingston University has an acceptance rate of around 70–75%, accepting students with average GPAs of 2.8–3.2 (on a 4.0 scale) and IELTS scores of 6.0–6.5. Hertfordshire is slightly more accepting, with an acceptance rate of around 75–80%, with comparable GPA and English language requirements. The two universities are moderately open to international students, although Kingston is slightly more competitive in design and creative fields.

Research Impact & Facilities

Kingston University is prominent in art, design, health sciences, and pharmacy research. Hertfordshire is known for applied research in engineering, business, health, and computer science with industries and technology centers with close collaborations. Hertfordshire has a slight lead in industry-specific research, whereas Kingston is better in creative and health-related research fields.

Cost & Financial Aid

Kingston University international student tuition is between £16,200–£18,000 annually, with postgraduate study between £17,500–£20,000. Hertfordshire is a bit lower, with international tuition between £15,500–£17,500. Both provide merit scholarships, generally between £1,500–£3,000 annually. Hertfordshire also promotes STEM and industry-related scholarship programs.

Graduate Studies & Alumni Outcomes

Kingston alumni dominate creative industries, business, nursing, and teaching, with mid-career salaries of approximately £38,000 (INR 40 lakh). Hertfordshire alumni dominate engineering, business, health, and IT, with mid-career salaries of approximately £40,000 (INR 42 lakh). Kingston has a stronger reputation for arts and health professions, whereas Hertfordshire produces better results in applied sciences, engineering, and business-aligned careers.